Husband Convicted In Socialite Slaying

A millionaire and one-time fugitive was convicted of murder Friday for hiring a hit man to kill his socialite wife 19 years ago because he feared losing money and a Florida mansion in a divorce.

A jury took less than five hours to find James Sullivan guilty of arranging the fatal shooting of Lita Sullivan, his 35-year-old second wife, on Jan. 16, 1987.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A sentencing hearing will occur later. A defense attorney said he will appeal the verdict.

The victim was shot to death on the doorstep of her Atlanta town house by a man carrying a dozen long-stemmed pink roses. The murder occurred the same day a hearing was scheduled to discuss property distribution in the divorce.

Sullivan, 64, fled the country around the time he was indicted on state murder charges in 1998. Once one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, the Boston native was captured in Thailand in 2002 and extradited to the U.S. in 2004.

Sullivan was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, burglary and two counts of aggravated assault. At sentencing, the jury will have the option of sentencing Sullivan to death, life in prison without parole or life in prison with parole.

Sullivan had no reaction when the verdict was read, though one of his lawyers clutched his shoulders. The victim's mother, state Rep. Jo Ann McClinton, cried.

"I'm just happy and elated that finally after 19 years, the person we knew was guilty, our courts have found him guilty," McClinton said. "It's been a long time coming."

Prosecutors said Sullivan paid a trucker $25,000 to kill his wife. The trucker, Phillip Harwood, 55, is serving a 20-year sentence for manslaughter after pleading guilty in the slaying.

Sullivan's lawyers entered a holding cell to talk with him. Afterward, defense attorney Don Samuel said he will appeal.

"It takes a lot out of you to lose a murder trial, particularly a death penalty trial," he said.

Prosecutor Clint Rucker said Sullivan's lack of emotion as the verdict was read spoke clearly: "I think it's true to form — a leopard doesn't necessarily change his spots."

By Harry R. Weber